Programme Officer International IDEA

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance

Canberra, Australia

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance — International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building.

International IDEA’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Main functions of the post:

• To contribute to the design, resourcing and implementation of the Asia and the Pacific Regional Programme, and in particular in the development of partnerships and the design and implementation of programmes in the fields of citizen assessment of democracy and other areas within the Political Participation and Representation Key Impact Area (KIA) and the Democracy and Development KIA.

Context:

The incumbent will be required to represent International IDEA at various conferences, seminars and workshops, adopting a holistic approach to democratic reform processes with a particular focus on issues relating to political participation and representation and to democracy and development. The Programme Officer will be responsible for coordinating International IDEA’s electoral activities in Asia and the Pacific and for liaison with the Political Participation and Representation and Democracy and Development components of the Global Programmes team in Stockholm.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the immediate supervision of the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Facilitates the dissemination of IDEA knowledge resources within Asia and the Pacific in the process of political and democratic reform;
• Provides upon request advisory services on participation and representation issues in the region, in particular citizen assessment of democracy, and democracy and development;
• Conducts workshops and consultative meetings for target audiences as a form of dissemination and application of IDEA’s knowledge resources and as a form of support towards democratic reforms;
• Conducts needs assessments and substantive evaluations in the fields of political participation and representation processes and of democracy and development;
• Supports the planning and implementation of regional and sub-regional conferences and the provision of technical assistance as required;
• Supports the design, funding and implementation of projects within the Political Participation and Representation Processes and Democracy and Development KIAs;
• Attends and presents papers at conferences, seminars and workshops when required;
• Supports questions and requests on issues relating to political participation and representation and to democracy and development and provide briefings on these issues;
• Contributes to the quarterly and annual reports and Ballot Box, and update regularly in conjunction with Communications the relevant webpages of the Asia and the Pacific programme on the IDEA website;
• Provides support to planning, budgeting and monitoring of all workplans in the Asia and the Pacific Programme;
• Contributes to building and implementing relationships with operational partners including but not restricted to the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance;
• Actively integrates the inclusion of gender, conflict management and diversity perspectives in all programming activities;
• Performs such other tasks as may be assigned by the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.

Qualifications and skills

Level and type of formal education:

• University degree in Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Development or equivalent.

Professional experience:

• Minimum five (5) years international experience in political participation and/or democracy and development issues, experience in democracy assessment being particularly valuable;
• Minimum three (3) years practical experience in designing, planning, conducting, advising, and/or coordinating programmes in a region or country, preferably in the Asia and Pacific region;
• Minimum two (2) years experience in democracy assistance at global or regional policy level in Asia and the Pacific or at least one other of International IDEA’s priority regions (Africa, Middle East or Latin America).

Functional competencies:

• Ability to build, enthuse and manage partnerships and networks towards the effective agreement and achievement of objectives;
• Knowledge of major international trends and development in the field of political participation;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, written and spoken;
• Excellent analytical, drafting and problem solving skills;
• Experience and ability to coordinate multi dimensional projects;
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas and to transfer knowledge and skills;
• Good sense of initiative, ability to set priorities and work under pressure with accuracy and dedication;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to operate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and be Gender-sensitive.

Work relationships:

• Ability to appreciate diversity and work as part of a team in such an environment;
• Ongoing collaborative contact with International IDEA offices (sub regional, regional and HQ);
• Close collaboration with the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific and other members of the team to ensure the effective implementation of the programme;
• In accordance with the duties and responsibilities, collaborate with partner organisations and external consultants to ensure high value in creating outputs and meeting objectives;

Independence of work:

• Independent work within the general framework of International IDEA’s Strategy and Programme;
• General International IDEA guidelines apply.

Difficulty of work:

• The incumbent is expected to show a high level of professionalism, personal initiative and creativity. S/he will also be expected to possess and continuously update her/his knowledge of major international trends and development in the fields of democracy, governance, political participation, and development. S/he should be able to work under tight deadlines and to cope with situations of stress and in addition should be willing to travel on official missions.

Language skills:

• English: Fluent written and oral
• Other: Any other widely spoken language in the Asia and Pacific region would be an asset.

Computer skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office package (including Excel) and Internet.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Project an advantage.

Criteria for Professional Performance

The incumbent of this post is expected to act according to a set of principles when carrying out her/his responsibilities both at Headquarters and in the field and, as appropriate to their role, display the following characteristics:

• Be a Facilitator of Change
• Get Results/ Be Accountable and Proactive
• Lead by Example
• Be a Model of Integrity
• Celebrate Diversity
• Be a Team Worker/Builder
• Strive for Success and Excellence
• Plan and Organize

Terms of contract: 3 years Fixed Term Appointment.

Location: Initially Canberra however relocation to Jakarta, Indonesia is foreseen during the course of the period of employment.

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.

For more details and to apply for this job click here

Should internet not be an option, applications can be submitted to International IDEA by fax: +46-20 24 22 or by post: International IDEA, SE-103 34, Stockholm, Sweden